Milan Vader is reported to be recovering after his life-threatening injuries during the fifth stage of the Itzulia Basque Country. The Dutch rider, who is in his neo-pro season as a road professional, had suffered several fractures and internal injuries when he crashed off a ravine, and was in critical condition after the accident over two weeks ago.
He's since been recovering in the Bilbao hospital. The Jumbo-Visma rider's dad has told Dutch newspaper PZC that “he has started his rehabilitation and the prospects are good. People here say that they see from him that he is a top athlete, Milan even inquired about his teammates immediately after he woke up.”
He added the information that Vader has woken up this Tuesday after a long period under the effect of anesthesia. The team has shared on social media that Vader's "recovery is progressing steadily, thanks to the good care of the medical staff," and that "Milan will normally come to the Netherlands for the next step in his process."
A former full-time mountain biker, Vader has hired for the Dutch team this season in a three-year contract. It is too early to think of a return to the peloton, however his family is confident that he is capable of a full recovery.
It has been two weeks since Milan Vader crashed hard in the Itzulia Basque Country. His recovery is progressing steadily, thanks to the good care of the medical staff. Next week, Milan will normally come to the Netherlands for the next step in his process.
